Why Synthetic Turf?

There are several factors contributing to the increased demand for synthetic turf, including significantly improved safety, playability, and appearance. While a number of individual theories exist regarding injuries on natural grass as opposed to synthetic turf, according to a number of national studies on athletic injuries there is no significant difference in the number of major injuries reported while participating on grass or artificial turf fields. A study by the NFL concluded that there were fewer serious injuries on artificial turf compared to natural grass.

A primary consideration when comparing artificial turf vs. natural grass is the amount and type of usage the field/facility is proposed to have. Synthetic turf fields provide a stadium with a surface that can be used with unlimited frequency for various sports (football, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, etc.) plus miscellaneous events (band competitions, concerts, etc.) Even with frequent usage and inclement weather, synthetic fields remain consistent for major events. In order to maintain natural grass surfaces in good condition, it is recommended that there use is limited to 10-15 football games per year, or one other sporting function per week. And, a game played on a natural grass surface in inclement weather, rainy weather can damage the turf for an extensive period, or require additional expense to speed up the restoration process.

Reasons to choose Artificial Turf

• Cost - Synthetic turf is a cost-effective option on a long-term basis. When you factor in the expenses of watering and maintaining a grass playing field or a lawn each year, the cost more than pays for itself during the lifetime of the surface. Field owners also eliminate the cost of playing elsewhere when games are cancelled because of inclement weather, and often earn additional revenues by leasing out the field to other organizations and teams. Residential and commercial users often recover the cost of installing artificial grass within a few years by dramatically reducing water bills and lawn maintenance costs.

• Environmental Advantages - The environmental impact of synthetic turf and artificial grass is significant. Each year, more than 2.2 billion gallons of water are conserved nationwide by over 5,000 sports fields. A typical lawn of 1800 square feet requires 56,000 gallons of water for maintenance, allowing homeowners to save significantly on their bills by switching to synthetic turf. In addition, municipalities, businesses, and golf courses are conserving hundreds of millions of gallons per year.

  The installation of nearly 1,000 new synthetic turf fields in 2009 conserved an estimated 500 million gallons of water and reduced the use of fertilizers by well over 1.25 million pounds.

  Using crumb material from granulated used tires for sports field infill has afforded the opportunity to recycle 25 million used auto tires per year that would otherwise end up in U.S. landfills.

  Synthetic turf does not harbor bacteria or support potentially harmful insect infestations.

• Increased Playing Time - Extension of the playing seasons for all sports, and the ability to use the surface in all weather conditions. Synthetic turf can be utilized around 3,000 hours per year with no “rest” required, more than three times that of natural grass. This translates into increased practice and play time as well as the valuable flexibility to use your field for other events. The opportunity to be active and participate in sports is critical for the fitness, mental health, self-esteem and leadership development of youth.